Georgia‘s Pro-EU Protests Enter New Year on 34th Consecutive Day
Tens of thousands of Georgians celebrated the New Year outside the country’s parliament building in Tbilisi, continuing a month-long wave of protests against the government. The demonstrations, marked by a festive atmosphere and unwavering resolve, highlight the deep divisions within the nation over its future direction.
The protests erupted following the Georgian Dream Party’s victory in October’s parliamentary elections, which the opposition denounced as rigged. These tensions were further exacerbated when the government announced a delay in EU accession talks until 2028, sparking outrage among a population overwhelmingly in favor of European integration.
Demonstrators brandished EU and Georgian flags, while some shared food and set up a long celebratory table adorned with Christmas lights, transforming the protest site into a festive New Year’s gathering.”Tonight once again proves that the Georgian people will not allow a pro-Russian government to turn our country into a Russian-style despotism,” one demonstrator,42-year-old Ilia Darsavelidze,declared. “Putin’s puppets in Tbilisi are powerless against the will of our entire nation. We will reclaim our rightful place in europe.”
Georgia’s outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili, who has been at odds with the ruling party, joined the demonstrators, stating, “2024 was the year of our unity, and 2025 will be the year of our victory.”
Zurabishvili, who refused to step down after her term ended, maintains that she remains the “onyl legitimate leader” until new elections are held. She has denounced the newly inaugurated President Mikheil Kavelashvili and the new government as illegitimate, a stance echoed by opposition parties who have boycotted the legislature.
The protests have been met with a heavy-handed response from authorities. In the initial days of demonstrations, riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, some of whom threw fireworks and stones. Over 400 arrests were made, and allegations of police brutality and torture have emerged from human rights groups and Amnesty International, drawing international condemnation.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland have urged Georgian authorities to consider fresh elections as a means of resolving the country’s political crisis.The Georgian Dream Party’s government stands accused of authoritarian tendencies and a pro-Russian shift, actions perceived as undermining Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership, a goal enshrined in the constitution and supported by 80% of the population.
## Archyde Exclusive: Georgia’s Unwavering Resolve: 34 Days of Pro-EU Demonstrations
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today we are joined by Dr. mariam Geladze, a leading political science professor at Tbilisi State University, to discuss the ongoing pro-EU protests in Georgia. Dr. Geladze, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Geladze:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** As we enter the new year,Georgia finds itself amidst a month-long wave of demonstrations. Tens of thousands are gathered outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, demanding change. What’s driving this fervent public response?
**Dr. Geladze:** The current situation stems from deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the Georgian dream Party’s victory in the October parliamentary elections. The opposition, alleging widespread rigging, has galvanized public sentiment, leading to these unprecedented demonstrations.
**Host:** Reports suggest a festive atmosphere, even amidst the unwavering resolve of the protesters. Could you elaborate on the mood of the demonstrations?
**Dr.Geladze:** Indeed, despite the seriousness of the situation, there is a palpable sense of unity and hope within the crowds. Georgians are celebrating the New year with newfound determination, their voices echoing a powerful message: they desire a future aligned with European values and aspirations.
**Host:** These protests highlight significant societal divisions within Georgia. How do you see this ongoing unrest impacting the nation’s future direction?
**Dr. Geladze:** This is a critical juncture for Georgia. The government’s response to these legitimate concerns will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory. A constructive dialog and genuine efforts to address grievances are crucial to bridge these divisions and ensure a stable and prosperous future for Georgia.
**Host:** thank you, Dr. Geladze, for sharing your insights. The world is watching as Georgia navigates this complex political landscape.
**Dr. Geladze:** Thank you for having me.
[End of Interview]
